Yervant Chekijian, in conversation with Lara Tcholakian, speaks about his successes in the hotel industry subsequent to his move to the US from Jerusalem at the age of 16. Checkijian, now a senior executive, reflects on his leadership values, which include perseverance, determination and drive. He connects all these to his memories of his family’s history and narratives as survivors of the Armenian Genocide. He shares his vision of helping to advance education through Armenian studies and globally promote the knowledge and preservation of Armenian culture, history, and identity.
About Yervant Chekijian
Yervant Chekijian is Chairman of the Board of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) in Belmont, Massachussetts (MA). Born in Jerusalem to genocide survivors Mary and Youhanna Chekijian, he moved to the US with his family at the age of 16. After his degree from Boston University, he served in the US Army for two years as lieutenant, followed by his international business management studies at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona. His career was launched in the hotel industry where he held senior executive positions, including General Manager of the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, General Manager of the Parker House in Boston, MA, and President of Omni International Hotels.
Program overview
Armenian leaders share inherited cultural and historical narratives, memories, life learnings and experiences. Down-to-earth, authentic and mindful conversations preserve the stories and legacies of families, and reflect on the lessons learnt from inherited collective trauma and introspective leadership.
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